Multiculturalism in Malaysia: All Things Indian

While Taiwan may be the "Heart of Asia"....Malaysia is "Truly Asia."  At least according to their tourism campaigns.  But from my experiences so far, I the slogan is true.  Malaysia really is a multicultural, multi-racial, multi-ethnic oasis.  The population is a healthy mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese residents.  There is a lot of history and politics surrounding how these groups relate to each other, but Malaysia prides itself on the way in which these three ethnic groups live together pretty much in peace and harmony.

An advertisement for a bank, I believe, depicting Chinese, Indian, and Malay children co-existing in harmony.  Yes, we can all just "get along."

This makes Malaysia home to many colorful festivals.  I wrote previously briefly about Hari Raya (see Holidays).  At the end of October is the Indian celebration of Deepavali.  But like any holiday (think Christmas) there is commercialism surrounding it.  Living in the Little India part of the city, the effects have been prevalent for weeks.  About 2 weeks ago, the sidewalks in this area transformed from convenient paths to get to the LRT station or grocery store, to crazy obstacle courses filled with Indian clothing stalls, Deepavali decorations, henna artists, and sweets stalls.  Although the sights, sounds, and smells are amazing, I can't help but be slightly annoyed when I am trying to merely make it to the train station and have to wade through it all.   

No place left to walk, only to shop...



There were sales all over the city for Hari Raya, because that is when people treat themselves and their children to new clothes and special outfits to wear to all the celebrations and activities (visiting family and friends, etc.).  Similar for Deepavali, vendors have come out in full force to make sure there is not one Indian without a new outfit this month.  I might have to pick up some wears myself. 

Bangles galore.

Anyone need some incense?  Sometimes its burning so thick in some of the stalls that the smell sticks to my cloths and follows me home.

If you need it, they've got it.

Housewares.

Another site on my walk to the LRT station, Vivekananda Ashram.  Built in 1904.

It gave the artist that provided her henna services great pleasure to see how the color of the final henna on my skin differed so much than from the usual dark skinned Indian patrons.